Caterpillar 3196 and C-12 Class-Action Lawsuit Info

[Storm]

I am developing a simple website to inform Caterpillar 3196 and C-12 owners of current news regarding the class-action lawsuit involving these engines. The site will be updated and/or changed on a regular basis as information becomes available. I should have considerably more information to post soon. Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Here is a link: http://www.catdefect.com-a.googlepages.com/ Storm

[bigeasy]

I have had both 3196 and c-12's. All failed prior to expiration of extended warranty and required major rebuild.

[Storm]

Captain Parker, Thanks for your reply. It isn't unusual to hear from other 3196 owners that have been faced with the frustration of repeat engine failures. However, it's important to hear from individuals like you that have encountered problems with the C-12 engines - which should be equipped with the latest aftercooler upgrade. The more C-12 customer input, the stronger this class-action will be. Despite hundreds of known field failures, Cat continues to deny that the latest aftercooler version is defective. Storm

[rmviper]

I have a 2006 egg with cat c12's is this ongoing with newer models ?

[TROPHY SPORTFISHING]

Storm i have a buddy with a 50 ricky gilliken express that has been thru 3176's 3196's then c 12's and is now working on his 4th set of motors from cat they now want to repower him with 3406's but his shafts and struts will need to be replaced at his cost of course.

[diverguy]

Storm i have a buddy with a 50 ricky gilliken express that has been thru 3176's 3196's then c 12's and is now working on his 4th set of motors from cat they now want to repower him with 3406's but his shafts and struts will need to be replaced at his cost of course.

I've had a similar failure with a 3126.
Does anyone know if the 3126 has bben included in the lawsuit ?

[Storm]

All C-12's are involved in the lawsuit including the latest versions. I don't know if the 3126's are included. If you contact the class representative I am sure he would be able to answer that question for you. His email is: catdefect@aol.com.

I haven't yet seen the final class notice. Revision 2 of the class notice states: "You are receiving this notice because you have been identified as an individual or entity that has been an owner of a boat with a Caterpillar engine, including a 3196, C-12 or other Caterpillar engine, containing the aftercooler model numbers in issue".
"Plaintiff is pursuing this action on behalf of himself and all other persons who own or at any time owned a boat powered by a Caterpillar marine engine equipped with any version of aftercooler model/part numbers 138-2571, 161-9898, 210-5631, and 216-5147". Aftercooler serial number: 216-5147-04 is the latest of eight iterations.

The May 2007 issue of BoatU.S. Magazine has an extensive article (Caterpillar Faces Class Action) about the lawsuit by author and consumer advocate, Caroline Ajootian.

I'm guessing the 50 Ricky Gillikin with multiple Cat engine failures that you are referring to is an East Bay Express sportfisher built and delivered in the winter of 2001. That is one of the many horror stories I have in my scrapbook. If I remember right, the 3406's are about five inches taller than the C-12's. I hope your buddy can squeeze them into his boat without a major reconstruction. I've heard enough horror stories about Cat 3196 and C-12 engines to write a book. Storm

[marlin magnet]

Whats going on with this issue? does anyone have an update?

[trollman]

send a PM to Storm, he is in touch with the gentleman who is the named class representative (for all 3196 etc. owners) in the mega lawsuit against CAT filed in the United States Federal Court in Michigan where the judge already certified the class against CAT. once that happened (jan 2007) then it does not bode well for CAT, i think they are gonna take a big hit. the case is ongoing and Storm's connection can give you the latest on the lawsuit.

[Storm]

3196 and C12 owners, The Plaintiff's seven page proposed form of Official Class Notice is currently available at my website - along with updated news and some of my recent ramblings. See one of my previous posts for a link. Storm